Lakeland’s quality of life is supported by the variety of arts & cultural opportunities for residents and visitors. Home to many museums and theatres, Lakeland is also proud to boast the Nation’s largest single-campus collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture.
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Performing & Visual Arts
The Lakeland Center
TheLakelandCenter.com | (863) 834-8100
Central Florida’s premier multi-purpose entertainment complex is home to many diverse contemporary and performing arts programs including the Lakeland Broadway and Entertainment Concert Series, The Imperial Symphony Orchestra, The Lakeland Concert Band, various children’s performances and numerous dance and talent competitions. The 2,300 seat Youkey theater is a focal point in the Central Florida market, hosting a variety of cultural and entertainment events.
Harrison Center for the Visual & Performing Arts
HarrisonArts.com | (863) 499-2855
The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts offers programs in motion picture arts, music, theatre, musical theatre, dance, and visual arts for students in grades 9 – 12. Performances are open to the public and include the Harrison Symphony, Harrison Singers, theatre and musical main stage productions, concerts from the Piano and Dance Departments, visual arts exhibitions and short films
Imperial Symphony Orchestra
ImperialSymphony.org | (863) 688-3743
From September through May the orchestra presents five “Masterworks” concerts at the Youkey Theatre, Lakeland Center with world-class guest artists. Another successful event for the ISO is the annual fully staged opera, bringing world-renowned singers to the city in January, in collaboration with Florida Southern College. Outdoor “Pops” concerts are performed in Lakeland and Winter Haven as well.
Lakeland Community Theatre
LakelandCommunityTheatre.com | (863) 603-7529
The theatre produces four Main Stage Productions per season which run from August through July and also presents “The Edge,” an alternate Stage Read series. In addition, the Theatre for Youth offers a production in January, June and September. Theatre classes are offered throughout the year, as well as Spring and Summer theatre camps.
Polk Theatre
PolkTheatre.org | (863) 682-7553
One of only three atmospheric theatres still in existence in the state of Florida, the Polk Theatre opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and movie house. The Polk Theatre shows quality films, independent and foreign films and hosts a yearly Performing Arts Series that brings nationally acclaimed shows to its stage.
Museums
Explorations V Children’s Museum
ExplorationsV.com | (863) 687-3869
Located in the heart of downtown Lakeland in a historic 1929 Kress building, Explorations V offers three floors of kid-powered exhibits and interactive programs that celebrate the five senses! Art & science are the pathways for many of the learning concepts, freeing the child’s creativity and unleashing the power of play. Surprise your senses on a jet-stream journey of discovery through touchable exhibits featuring art, science, literature, math, health, life skills and cultures from around the world. Enhance the life of a child and visit Explorations V today! Hours: Mon – Sat, Time: 9 – 5:30 p.m. Admission: $7 per person and Children under 2 & Museum Members Free.
Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture & Visitors Center
FLSouthern.edu/FLLWCtr | (863) 680-4444
Florida Southern College is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. Today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually to tour the campus, along with an exhibit of Wright’s photos, drawings, correspondence, and a model of the campus he named “Child of the Sun.”
Polk Museum of Art
PolkMuseumofArt.com | (863) 688-7743
The Museum’s diverse exhibition schedule features more than 20 exhibitions per year in a wide variety of artistic styles and genres: from realistic to abstract, and from ancient to extremely contemporary. The Museum also provides a comprehensive calendar of events and educational activities. Don’t forget the unique Museum Store filled with artistic gifts, jewelry, and home décor.
Florida Air Museum at SUN ‘n FUN
FloridaAirMuseum.org | (863) 644-2431
Designated in 2003 as Florida’s official aviation museum and education center, the Florida Air Museum at SUN ‘n FUN displays a unique collection of more than 35 antique, classic and “home built” airplanes. The museum also is home to the extensive personal aviation collection of Howard Hughes, including a 14-foot model of the HK-1 (a.k.a. “Spruce Goose”) and other personal memorabilia.